CVE-2015-6629 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Wi-Fi in Android 5.x before 5.1.1 LMY48Z allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors, as demonstrated by obtaining Signature or SignatureOrSystem access, aka internal bug 22667667.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6629 represents a significant security flaw in Android operating systems version 5.x prior to 5.1.1 LMY48Z, specifically within the Wi-Fi subsystem. This issue enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information through unspecified attack vectors that exploit weaknesses in the Android Wi-Fi implementation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be leveraged to obtain privileged access levels that should remain restricted to system applications and signed components. The specific internal bug reference 22667667 indicates this was a known issue within Google's internal tracking systems, suggesting the flaw had been identified and potentially analyzed before its public disclosure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in how the Android Wi-Fi framework handles certain access controls and permission checks during network operations. Attackers can exploit this flaw to escalate their privileges and gain access to Signature or SignatureOrSystem level permissions, which are typically restricted to applications that are properly signed with system certificates or have been granted special privileges by the device manufacturer. This escalation allows malicious actors to access sensitive information that should be protected from unauthorized access, potentially including system-level data, user credentials, or other confidential information stored within the device's secure environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6629 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to elevate their privileges within the Android security model. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can effectively bypass the normal application sandboxing mechanisms that protect the device from unauthorized access. This privilege escalation capability means that attackers can potentially install malicious applications with system-level privileges, modify core system files, or access protected data stores that normally require Signature or SignatureOrSystem permissions to access. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security boundaries that separate user applications from system-level operations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access controls, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation in mobile operating systems. The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability would likely fall under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the Android-specific access control mechanisms. Organizations and users affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Android 5.1.1 or later versions where the issue has been patched, and consider additional network security measures such as network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious Wi-Fi activity. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of timely security updates in mobile environments where network subsystems can serve as attack vectors for sophisticated adversaries seeking to compromise device security and access sensitive information.